MLK Expansion construction creates traffic back up

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — There’s a new traffic pattern in Portsmouth and it’s throwing off some drivers.

The London Boulevard exit is closed and will be for up to a year while crews work on the MLK Extension. This project, by the way, is one of the projects your paying tolls for at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels.

Traffic backed up on route 58, also called Harbor Drive, Monday morning. Logically, people wanted to turn left on High Street to go to London, but there is no arrow at this light, so only a couple of cars at a time made it through.

Elizabeth River Crossing’s spokesperson Leila Rice told 10 On Your Side the solution is simple — follow the detour signs, not your instinct. The detour instructs drivers to make a right on High St., drive a few blocks and loop back onto London Blvd.

ERC is working on new signs that will make the detour more clear. But in the meantime, during off peak hours, we found it’s quicker to make the left.